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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It has been a disappointing and difficult week on the Iron Range, and I have been working around the clock for the past two weeks to address the urgent needs of our community members and the region overall. I have new information to share about our proposed solution to the recent layoffs, which aim to be more than just a temporary fix. Since there is a lot of information to cover, I am just going to dive right in.
Minnesota Miners Relief Act
This week marked significant progress for the Iron Range, despite the steady stream of tough news. The fight continues here in St. Paul, and we are committed to doing everything possible to support the miners and families affected by the Cleveland-Cliffs layoffs. As we work to provide the necessary resources, we introduced the Minnesota Miners Relief Act to the Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee.
 This bill contains three key provisions designed to provide immediate relief and long-term stability for our mining industry:
- Unemployment Insurance Extension
- Without action, unemployment benefits for miners affected by the layoffs will expire around Christmas 2025. This bill extends those benefits for an additional 26 weeks, ensuring support is available through June 2026 if needed.
Updating Minnesota’s Outdated Sulfate Standard
- A nearly 50-year-old sulfate water quality standard from 1973 is still in effect, putting additional mining operations and jobs at risk. Updating this outdated regulation is crucial to keeping our mines open and ensuring continued employment for Iron Rangers.
Safe Storage of Reactive Mine Waste
- Modernizing the standards for handling reactive mine waste will provide clear guidelines for mining operations, allowing projects to move forward while maintaining water quality and regulatory compliance.
Each of these provisions plays a critical role in securing both the present and future of mining on the Iron Range. While unemployment benefits offer immediate security for our miners, lasting job stability depends on permitting reform and regulatory updates, which this bill also addresses.
On Tuesday, we held a bipartisan press conference to highlight this bill and stand in solidarity with our miners and Iron Range communities. It was amazing to have so many steelworkers travel to the Capitol in support of this legislation and to advocate for our way of life. A special thank you to Al King, President of United Steelworkers Local 6115 at Minorca; Chris Johnson, President of United Steelworkers Local 2705 at HibTac; John Arbogast, USW Staff Represenative; Mike Jugovich, St. Louis County Commissioner; Cathy Chavers, Bois Forte Band Member; and Paul Peltier, RAMS Executive Director for speaking as key stakeholders to our solutions based bill.
 This is not a political issue—our miners and the Iron Range need real solutions and real support. While the bill did not pass out of the Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee, it has been laid over for reconsideration. This fight is far from over, and I remain committed to doing everything necessary to protect the future of mining and the people who make this region strong.
HF1161
On Tuesday, I introduced HF1161 to the Education Finance Committee. This bill will support our schools on the Range by ensuring that taxes on properties, such as cabins, remain in the area where they were paid. Adjusting the referendum in this way will direct more funding to our local schools, which are struggling with rising operational costs and would greatly benefit from this reallocation of resources. Importantly, this bill provides much-needed financial relief without placing any additional tax burden on residents or property owners.
I want to extend my gratitude to Aaron Riehl, Grand Rapids Public Schools teacher; Gina Kleive, Superintendent of Lake Superior School District; and Matt Grose, Superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools, for testifying in support of this bill. HF1161 was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill this session, and I remain committed to seeing it through.
Budget Framework
The budget framework was released late last week, outlining the funding levels that each committee can allocate and forming the foundation for the entire state budget. This framework serves as a critical roadmap for addressing key priorities while ensuring responsible financial management. As Chair of the Housing Committee, I am proud to share that our committee received an increase in funding compared to last session, which will allow us to invest in important housing initiatives and address pressing needs across the state. This additional support will help us work toward expanding affordable housing options, improving existing infrastructure, and ensuring that more Minnesotans have access to stable and reliable housing.
Beyond housing, this budget framework reflects a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility by implementing the largest spending reduction in Minnesota’s history. These cuts are necessary to address long-term financial challenges and put our state on a more sustainable path. With a projected $6 billion deficit looming in the coming years, this budget is a crucial first step toward restoring economic stability and ensuring that we do not pass an unsustainable financial burden onto future generations. While tough decisions must be made, I am committed to working with my colleagues to ensure that we prioritize essential services while maintaining fiscal discipline.
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